The gray weather outside is no excuse for staying in the house. There’s plenty to do in Seattle (and Tacoma, and Bellevue) this month. From opera to wine tasting, from jazz to burlesque, there’s something for everybody. Some of the best events and other things to do in Seattle / Tacoma in March:
Don Quixote
It took a Frenchman to adapt Spain’s greatest novel into an opera, and the romantic Jules Massanet created a masterpiece. Less formal tragedy than bittersweet rumination on life, love, and the power of dreams. Expect Seattle Opera to do this great work justice.
Where: Seattle Opera
When: Feb. 26 - Mar. 12, 2011
How much: $25 - $163
Renaissance Singers
Renaissance music can be both familiar and other-worldly. Like early earth organisms, some forms lead to familiar Western music--others are strange but fascinating evolutionary dead ends. Seattle’s top notch Renaissance Singers will be performing selections from 14th century English sacred music. A rare treat.
Where: Trinity Parish Church, Seattle
When: March 1, 2011
How much: $25
Taste Washington
Taste Washington is a food-and-wine-lover’s dream event, culminating in a Grand Tasting, with 200 of Washington's best wineries and 75 of the finest Seattle-area restaurants putting their best feet forward. Saturday Seminars feature local celeb chef Tom Douglas, best-selling wine author Andrea Immer, and other experts. With that many wines in one place, remember, it's hip to spit.
Where: Bell Harbor Conference Center (seminars) and Qwest Field Event Center (grand tasting)
How much: Seminars $40 - $75; Grand Tasting $75 - $125
Tête-à-tête
The Frye Art Museum is maybe Seattle's most underrated cultural institution. At once traditional and adventurous, small enough to digest in an afternoon but much more than a gallery, and-best of all-it's always free. The Frye was founded by local meat-packing magnates, Charles and Emma Frye, and this program recreates the content and the atmosphere of their early 1900s home collection.
Where: Frye Museum
When: Through January 2012
How much: Free
Go, Dog, Go!
This adaptation of the wildly successful P.D. Eastman book was a great success at Seattle Children’s Theatre when last staged and promises to bring continued enjoyment to even the youngest theatre-goers. The bright colors, lively performances, and quick pace will keep your little-ones rived. And they might even learn something.
Where: Seattle Children’s Theatre
When: Through March 13
How much: $25-$37
St. Patrick’s Day
Skip the parade, plastic hats, and green beer, and head to one of these great, local Irish pubs. Sure, it will be a bit rowdy, but it’s nothing compared to those snakes that old Paddy drove out.
Where: Pubs all over town.
When: March 17
How much: That’s up to you. (Be a responsible imbiber).
Anatomy of a Murder
Legendary Austrian-American producer-director Otto Preminger never made a better film than Anatomy of a Murder. This surprisingly frank (for 1959) courtroom thriller features a late, great performance from Jimmy Stewart, a star turn from up-and-comer George C. Scott, and a classic soundtrack by Duke Ellington (who also appears in a cameo). More than just a whodunit, Anatomy of a Murder is endlessly watchable.
Where: Seattle Art Museum
When: March 3
How much: $8
Dine Around Seattle
Part of a trend of promotional package dinners, 28 of Seattle's best restaurants offer 3-course meals for only $30, and some offer $15 lunches. This is a great chance to try some restaurants that were always out of your price range, or hit up some old favorites for a greal deal.
Where: Bastille, Dahlia Lounge, Campagne, and 25 other great restaurants
When: Sundays-Thursdays in March.
How much: $30 for dinner, $15 for lunch.
Seattle Jewish Film Festival
In a city with few Jews, but lots of movie lovers, the Seattle Jewish Film Festival has thrived, turning 15 this year. 30 films from 10 countries show an incredible range and diversity.
Where: SIFF Cinema, Tom Douglas Palace Ballroom, Cinerama
When: March 12-20
How much: $11/adult, $8/SIFF member, $8/senior, $8/student